Moscow Incidents - 09.24.2001

 

PRESS RELEASE :

Anti-Semitic Incidents Mark Moscow Holiday Season 

September 24, 2001 – NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia today expressed deep concern about new anti-Semitic incidents at the Moscow Choral Synagogue and Moscow Hillel.  “Coming during the Jewish High Holy Day season, the latest incidents are cause for immediate concern,” NCSJ said in a statement released today.

Early Sunday morning, September 23, anti-Semitic graffiti was painted on the large front columns of Moscow’s recently restored historic central synagogue, and below the office windows of Moscow Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt.  This followed reported attacks against Jewish students near the Moscow Hillel during the past two weeks.

“Moscow police provided some security during the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, and we understand the police presence will be increased for the Yom Kippur holiday which begins Wednesday evening,” NCSJ noted.  “These incidents underscore the need for year-round police protection of Jewish institutions.” Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov attended last week’s Rosh Hashanah services at the Choral Synagogue, addressing the 1,000 congregants on the evils of terrorism and anti-Semitism.  U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow was also present for the ceremony.  NCSJ has been in contact with community leadership as well as U.S. and Russian officials.